Raiders' Wilson Will Call It a Career

Published 4:00 am, Saturday, January 1, 2000

For the Raiders tomorrow will be an ending -- the game against the Chiefs at Arrowhead stadium will close out the Raiders' season and a few Raiders' careers.

One player who certainly will not be back with the team next year is reserve quarterback Wade Wilson, who after 19 years and five teams is retiring.

Other players' fates are less certain, although the Raiders are certainly due the usual offseason turnover.

Aside from wide receiver Tim Brown, whose can void his contract and become a free agent, the most prominent Raider eligible for free agency is middle linebacker Greg Biekert. Salary-cap considerations could force the Raiders to look elsewhere to fill Biekert's job, but coach Jon Gruden has said he wants the seven-year veteran back in Oakland next year.

"He's an important guy," Gruden said. "He's the guy who hasn't missed a snap in the 31 or 32 games that I've been here. He's a leader. He's a solid football player, a guy that we count on a great deal. We're going to continue to work with Greg and work with his agent and do what's best for everybody."

And Biekert is willing to listen.

"I feel I've played well," he said. "If they want me back it is going to be pretty much between me, my agent and the organization as to whether or not that gets done. If they choose not to have me back, then there's no problem. I know where I stand. We'll deal with it as it comes."

Wilson, who was an eighth- round draft choice out of East Texas State in 1981, definitely is calling it quits. He is not about to get sentimental about his retirement. He's done that already.

"I actually thought I was done playing two years ago when I was with Dallas," said Wilson, who was then offered a contract by the Raiders that prolonged his career another two seasons.

"When you're an eighth-round draft choice you don't have a lot of security," he said. "I've been thinking it's my last year for the last 19 years, to be honest. So it's not a real emotional deal."

It might not be for Wilson, but it will be for the Raiders. Several players wore his jersey number in practice this week to pay tribute to him. And he has been named an honorary captain for this game, which means he'll call the pre- game coin flip.

"Wade has taken a lot of snaps in 19 years," Gruden reflected. "Gennaro DiNapoli was in elementary school when Wade was toiling for the Vikings. I will definitely miss him. He was a good player, he's a great man. He was a strong team man who's really good for our squad in the locker room and on the sidelines.

"He brought a lot of intangibles to the Raiders. He had a real good impact not only on me, but on our coaches and on our young players. He's bee able to stay i this business or a long tie because of hi professionalsm and also becuse of his abilty. " (*CO. 1 of RAIDERS0 ()*)

Last year, injuries to Raiders quarterbacks moved Wilson up the depth chart and he started the last three games. But he has not been active for any game this year and i unlikely to ply tomorrow.

"He ws another quarterback coach for us," Gruden said. "He was a guy that was really good to bounce ideas off, get feedback from. Privately betwee (practice) perods I'd ask himhow a period wet. 'Did he lie that route? Dd he like the fotwork on a certain play? Are we asking them to do too much? Is the game plan manageable?' e's a guy who'sbeen in some reat systems an he's astute."

Gruden migh not have seen he last of Wilsn, who might on day be peerig at him from an opposite sideline.

"I'd like to get into coaching. If the right opportunity came along that I felt like I would enjoy doing, then I'd do it," said Wilson. "I'll talk to my agent and see if there's any interest."

Wilson said he has had some casual conversations with Steve DeBerg, a former 49ers QB who is now coaching. "I talked to Steve a little bit about that," he said. "It's definitely an adjustment because of the time, but I still enjoy the game and I like the strategy part of it. Being 40 years old, it's something I'd like to do now. I don't want to be part of the work force. "

Gruden thinks he won't have to. "He'll be a good coach," Gruden said. "Not only from the strategic part of it, but he'd be good with the players."

Wilson said the highlight of his career was directing the Vikings from a 23-0 fourth-quarter deficit to a 28-23 win over the Eagles in 1985.

"This year would be more fun if we were going to the playoffs," said Wilson. "But I've enjoyed all the years."

NOTES: The Raiders confirmed running back Tyrone Wheatley has been nominated for an ESPY award as comeback player of the year. . . . Linebacker Richard Harvey, who was suffering from the flu on Thursday, was feeling better yesterday and should start tomorrow. . . . Tackle Lincoln Kennedy's calf had not improved and Gruden believes he will not play